Things were meant to improve by now. Earlier this year, vaccinations rolled out, proving to be more effective than we ever anticipated. Case numbers were gradually dropping and hospitals were starting to relieve their burden in most areas. We were almost within reach of the light at the end of the tunnel. Then came Omicron—an even more contagious variant that sidesteps the vaccines. Instead of stepping into that light, many of us are crashing headlong into yet another pandemic wall.
This wall feels different. It’s rougher, denser, and heavy with disappointment, resentment, and broken dreams. It’s fair to feel this way; just last week, Omicron was responsible for only 13% of cases, but now it has surged to 73%—just in time for the holidays. This wall feels like giving up, and the view beyond it looks bleak, making it hard to believe we’ll ever find that light again.
If you’re facing this particular pandemic wall, you’re not alone. You’ve probably encountered similar barriers before—perhaps last year around this time or when Delta emerged. You’re likely familiar with the expert advice: get enough sleep, eat well, and maintain connections with friends and family in safe ways. Besides that, here are a few additional thoughts to keep in mind as you navigate this challenging period.
First, recognize that while it may feel like March 2020 all over again, it truly isn’t.
We’re in a different situation now. One significant factor is the vaccines. Yes, Omicron may evade vaccine protection and natural immunity more effectively than previous variants, which is frustrating. However, experts believe that the vaccines will still offer robust protection against severe illness, hospitalization, and death—ultimately what matters most. Moreover, our understanding of the virus has evolved since March 2020. We know how it spreads; no longer do we need to disinfect our groceries or fear surface transmission. We’ve learned how to take actions that can help reduce transmission, like spending time outdoors and ensuring good ventilation. This knowledge means we’re not as helpless as we once felt.
Second, we now have access to testing, eliminating uncertainty.
Remember when tests were hard to come by in March 2020? Every little sneeze made you question if you had COVID or just seasonal allergies, and testing required lengthy waits in drive-through lines. Just yesterday, I was able to test my children at home while they enjoyed a show on Netflix. This might seem trivial, but the ability to quickly determine whether a sniffle is just that or something more serious is a glimmer of hope amid this pandemic wall.
Third, it’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed by the pandemic.
There’s no shame in admitting that you’ve hit a wall, whether it’s your first or your hundredth time. We’ve all faced at least one pandemic wall, and many have encountered multiple ones. “We need to be kind to ourselves and those around us,” remarked Dr. Maya Johnson, a clinical psychologist and lecturer at a local university. “No one is navigating this perfectly.” Being kind to ourselves also involves acknowledging how tough this situation is and accepting that we may not have all the answers. The sudden surge of cases can leave us feeling whiplashed after just beginning to feel secure.
“Letting go of the pressure to know what to do or how to fix everything can alleviate some of the burden of not having everything go as planned,” noted Dr. Sarah Lee, a mental health professional. No guarantees exist that things will improve, but there’s a certain liberation in accepting that reality.
And if none of this eases the weight of the pandemic wall…
It’s important to recognize that everyone’s experience is unique. Some individuals face compounded challenges, such as long COVID, financial difficulties, or loss. Offering reasons to remain hopeful can sometimes feel minimizing. For those whose pandemic walls remain hard to climb, remember: you are more than this wall, no matter how dense and jagged it may seem. That realization is significant.
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Summary
As we face yet another wave of the pandemic, it’s essential to remember that we are not back at square one. The progress made with vaccines and testing has changed our ability to cope. Recognizing that it’s okay to feel overwhelmed and acknowledging the unique struggles each person faces can help us navigate this challenging period with compassion for ourselves and others.
